Piestewa Peak (Phoenix Mountains Preserve)
4.8(543)google
4.6(307)yelp
MountainHikingScenic LookoutOutdoor
Overview
Piestewa Peak, towering at 2,610 feet within the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, is one of the most prominent and heavily trekked summits in the entire Valley. Named in honor of Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat for the U.S. military, the peak features the intense, rocky Summit Trail. This steep, stair-master style climb rewards ambitious hikers with unparalleled, 360-degree panoramic views of metropolitan Phoenix and surrounding desert peaks. Surrounded by rich desert ecology and geological volcanic features, the grueling trek serves as both a high-intensity outdoor workout and a spiritual vantage point capturing the raw energy of Arizona's natural terrain.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-3 hours
Best TimeThe best period is from November to March during the cooler winter and spring months. It is highly recommended to start hiking at the crack of dawn between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM to beat Phoenix's intense daytime heat and witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Valley from the summit.
Getting ThereLocated in northern Phoenix. Drive or rideshare north from downtown via AZ-51 North, take the Lincoln Dr exit, and follow signs to Piestewa Peak Drive, which leads straight to the trailhead parking lots. Arrive very early as spaces fill up rapidly.
Travel Tips
- Extreme Heat Restrictions: On days with Excessive Heat Warnings, the Summit Trail is strictly closed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for public safety. Check the official City of Phoenix website for real-time trail restrictions before heading out.
- Night Hiking & Parking Rules: Gated parking lots open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but trails remain open for night hiking until 11:00 PM. Parking fills up rapidly; spikes at the exit allow parked vehicles to leave after gates close, making late afternoon an ideal off-peak arrival time.
- Trail Difficulty & Prep: The trail consists almost entirely of steep rock steps and uneven terrain rather than flat paths. It is highly taxing on knees and ankles; proper hiking boots are mandatory. There is zero shade on the mountain, requiring at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person.
Reviews
Positive
- The panoramic view at the top is amazing, offering a 360-degree overlook of the entire Phoenix area, and the sunset is absolutely breathtaking.
- An excellent and iconic steep hike. The steps are very challenging, making it a fantastic place for a serious workout and burning calories.
- The trail is extremely well-maintained with clear markers along the way, and the trailhead features clean restrooms and shaded ramadas.
- It is completely free to access and located very close to downtown, making it an incredibly cost-effective and accessible outdoor getaway.
Heads up
- Parking in the early morning or on weekends is a nightmare; spots are extremely limited, forcing many to park illegally or wait in long lines.
- There is virtually no shade along the entire route, making it easy to overheat under the fierce Arizona sun, so bringing plenty of water is mandatory.
- It gets incredibly crowded, with narrow rocky paths packed with people, sometimes requiring constant stops to yield to hikers with different paces.
- It's way too steep for beginners or anyone with bad knees, with loose irregular rocks everywhere making the descent quite slippery and hazardous.